Phil Brown named Sky Bet League 2 Manager of the Month

Southend United boss Phil Brown has been named the Sky Bet League 2 Manager of the Month for April.

Brown proved himself to be the master of timing as Southend charged towards automatic promotion with seven wins from seven games, including a vital 1-0 victory at rivals Bury.

George Burley, who chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel, said: “At this stage of the season all managers are looking for a final push up the table. Phil has won all seven games and not conceded a goal in an amazing record in April.”

Sky Sports’ Football League pundit Don Goodman said: “It is no surprise that Phil Brown has taken the Sky Bet League 2 award for April.

“Seven games resulting in seven victories with zero goals conceded and nine goals scored. Could Phil have wished for anything more?!

“Southend’s incredible run sees them go into the final game of the season knowing a victory at Morecambe will secure promotion to Sky Bet League 2.”

Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery said: “Brown’s Southend side won every game in April without conceding a goal to climb into the automatic spots.

“As with his defender, Sky Bet League 2 Player of the Month Adam Barrett, there’s not really much else to say here as Southend’s clinical April performances have spoken for themselves and Phil Brown fully deserves the award.”

The judging panel for the Sky Bet Manager of the Month is chaired by former Ipswich Town manager George Burley, along with Sky Sports’ Football League expert Don Goodman; Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson; League Managers’ Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery.